Description
Experience the classic comfort of French onion soup made effortlessly in a Dutch oven. This rich, deeply flavored soup features slowly caramelized onions, a hint of white wine and thyme, all simmered in savory beef broth. Topped with crispy toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese, it’s the perfect warming dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- Baguette slices
- Gruyère cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the onions: Melt butter and olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden brown and caramelize. This low and slow cooking develops the rich, sweet flavor crucial to the soup.
- Add flavorings: Stir in the sugar, dry white wine, and thyme. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to enhance the depth of flavor and slightly reduce the wine.
- Simmer the soup: Pour in the beef broth, season with salt and pepper to taste, and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare the toppings: While the soup simmers, toast baguette slices until crisp. Then top each baguette slice generously with shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Assemble and broil: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place the cheesy baguette slices on top of each bowl of soup. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cooking onions slowly and patiently is key to developing the deep caramelized flavor that defines this soup.
- Use a good quality beef broth or substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Gruyère cheese melts beautifully, but you can substitute with Swiss or mozzarella if necessary.
- Be careful when broiling to avoid burning the cheese; keep an eye on it during the last steps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: French
